The young timer scheme is loved by business drivers in the Netherlands. When cars are 15 years old, they are eligible for the favorable addition rate. Every year, therefore, ‘new’ models are added that can be driven inexpensively for business. We’ve listed a bunch of ‘interesting novices’ for all the family that were available in 2006.
Are you looking for a car for the whole family aged 15 or older that is tax-friendly to drive from next year? And – contrary to the current trend in the car market – no need for an SUV or crossover? Perhaps these options are something for you from next year:
1. Ford S-Max
Where the Ford S-Max from the outside just looks like a fairly average large MPV, it can sometimes surprise you. With the S-Max, Ford wanted to offer a car for the family man who at the same time values ​​driving pleasure. The S-Max is lower than its big brother, the Galaxy, and has flared fenders and ‘air vents’ behind the front fenders. This makes it look significantly sportier. The S-Max drives quite well for such a large and relatively high car, especially the steering feel is fine. At its introduction in 2006, a wide range of both petrol and diesel engines was available. The highlight of the range is the 220 hp 2.5 20V. Yes, the five-cylinder turbo from the Focus ST. With an acceleration of 0-100 in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 230 km / h, you are still in control of a large part of the Dutch road network today.
2. Ford Galaxy
Do you value driving pleasure less and is the S-Max just a size too small? Then the Ford Galaxy is also fiscally attractive to drive from next year. In the front, the Galaxy is almost identical to the S-Max in terms of space and layout of the interior, but you have more space at your disposal in the rear of the third row of seats and in the trunk. At its introduction in 2006, the Galaxy had to do with significantly fewer engines than the S-Max. Later on, more power units were added, but next year only the 2.0-liter petrol with 145 hp and the 2.0-liter TDCI with 140 hp are fiscally attractive to drive.
3. Mercedes-Benz R class
Mercedes-Benz initially planned to only deliver the R-class in America. The brand decided against this and decided to offer the ‘Grand Sports Tourer’, according to the label that the marketing department had attached to it, also in Europe. Perhaps that marketing term is not entirely unjustified, because the R-class is difficult to divide into one segment. The heightened station wagon annex MPV was available in two variants: with a short wheelbase of 2.98 meters and as ‘Long’ with a wheelbase of 3.22 meters. In terms of engines, the R-class was available in 2006 with two V6s and one V8. AMG also came up with a crazy R 63 AMG, but it has remained very rare. In fact, that was true of the R-class in general, because it was not a sales success. You have to love it, but from next year it is at least tax-attractive to drive.
4. Skoda Roomster
Don’t need all that space from the cars above, but are you looking for a practical, functional car? The Skoda Roomster is also fiscally attractive to drive from next year. The most special feature of the Roomster’s design are the high rear side windows and the roofline that rises towards the rear. With a little imagination you can spot a pope mobile in it. The Roomster has the same chassis as the Fabia, but the wheelbase is 2.62 meters longer than that of the Octavia Combi of that time. At its introduction, the Roomster was available with a 64 hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder, a 1.4 with 85 hp and a 1.6 with 105 hp on petrol. In terms of diesels, there was a choice of a 1.4 TDI three-cylinder in two power variants: 70 or 80 hp. As a range topper there was the 1.9 TDI with 105 hp. The Roomster is by no means a stripe puller, but for those looking for cheap space, the Czech may be a good option next year.
5. Alfa Romeo 159 SW
In 2006, one year after the introduction of the 159 sedan, Alfa Romeo launched the 159 Sportwagon. The 159 is a different kind of car than all the models above, because we are of course just dealing with a traditional station wagon. That means that it may be a little less useful in practical terms, but it offers a lot more driving pleasure. With a trunk space of 435 liters, you can still manage quite well. The 159 is still a unique appearance today, especially thanks to its headlights. Initially, the same engines were available for the SW as the sedan: a 1.8 with 140 hp, the 1.9 JTS with 160 hp, the 2.2 JTS with 185 hp and the 3.2 V6 with 260 hp and all-wheel drive. Diesel engines had the choice of the 1.9 JTD with 120 or 150 hp and the 2.4 JTD with 200 hp.